Lewis Hamilton maintained Mercedes’ perfect record in qualifying this season, holding off the two Red Bulls to capture his third pole position of the campaign on Saturday at the rainy Chinese Grand Prix.

Hamilton broke the record for most poles by a British driver in Formula One and put himself in position for a third consecutive race victory on Sunday. Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo was about 0.6 seconds off the pace in second place, with teammate Sebastian Vettel qualifying third.

Daniel Ricciardo drives during third practice at the Shanghai International Circuit. (Photo: Getty Images)

Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo set the fastest time on a slippery track in the final practice session at the Chinese Grand Prix on Saturday as the other top drivers limited their running due to the wet weather.

Ricciardo completed his lap around the Shanghai International Circuit in 1 minute, 53.958 seconds, about 0.5 seconds faster than Felipe Massa of Williams in second. Lotus driver Romain Grosjean set the third-fastest time of the morning.

Pastor Maldonado climbs out of the cockpit after his accident Friday morning. (Photo: Steven Tee/LAT Photographic)

Pastor Maldonado’s accident-prone season continued in China today when the Lotus driver crashed in the pit entry road.

Maldonado repeated a mistake seen in the past when he ran wide at the tight left-hander and understeered off the road into the tire wall. Earlier he had an off-track moment when he appeared to be distracted while making an adjustment on the steering wheel.